World Cup Qualifying Match Preview: United States Vs. Mexico

It’s FINALLY here. The second leg of World Cup Qualifying between the United States and Mexico at Estadio Azteca will be played tomorrow, Aug. 12 (4 p.m. EST, Mun2).

After the Yanks win at home in February, the Mexican team has seen its share of letdown and rebuilding. Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was sacked and Javier Aguirre has replaced him. Along with a change at the top, the team itself has not only changed, but improved.

A heartless and classless display during a 2-0 loss to the United States in February was recently answered by Mexico’s 5-0 drilling of the U.S. in the Gold Cup Final.

Although five goals can’t be discounted, keep in mind that Gold Cup roster was full of "B" or "C" team players auditioning for more playing time with the national team. The U.S. squad from that match will send only two players, Brian Ching and Stuart Holden, to this tilt.

The United States travels to Mexico City still riding the high of their Confederation Cup showing. Count their achievements of beating the African champion of Egypt, Spain (ranked No. 1 in the world by FIFA at the time), and pushing Brazil to the brink in the Final.

The strike partnership of Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies will give the Mexican defense fits, especially with the loss of Rafa Marquez to injury. The two forwards have celebrated their recent success by finding new teams for the upcoming club season. Altidore received a UK work permit to complete a loan move to Hull City of the EPL and Davies made a permanent move to French side Sochaux.

Landon Donovan, the United States’ MVP of the Confederations Cup, has not shown any lack of form since returning to MLS. His most recent goal, a left-footed wonder-strike, cements the fact that Donovan is playing with the most confidence and ability in his career.

There is no doubt the attacking options are there and waiting to show themselves. However, the defense of the USMNT will be the deciding point in this match.

The new look started when Captain Carlos Bocanegra missed the first two matches of the Confederations Cup and Jay Demerit filled in for him. Another new face, Jonathan Spector at right back, filled in for injured veterans Steve Cherundolo and Frankie Hejduk. Spector and Demerit earned their stripes and will hopefully be in the Starting XI come Wednesday.

When Bocanegra returned from injury, he fell into his usual club position with the Nats at left back. The back line of (from left back to right back) Bocanegra, Demerit, Onyewu, and Spector stumped the Spanish attack and honorably fought the Brazilians as well.

Although critics would say this defense is too large and not quick enough to handle Mexico’s quick passing game, their defense is what pushed Spain away from their beloved attacking style and forced them to resort to crosses and long-balls into the box.

Both squads will have plenty of motivation to win, and Estadio Azteca, the 100,000+ plus capacity venue, will be the perfect site for such an important match.

Prediction: United States 2-1 Mexico.